The Maldives' rise as a globally desired tourism destination began with the creation of luxury private island resorts, where strict separation between tourists and locals has long been the norm. But as community-based guesthouses and hotels on inhabited islands have flourished, the same separation is being imposed through the creation of "Bikini Beaches"—cordoned-off areas where tourists can sunbathe freely, away from the local population. While these designated beaches are presented as essential for the success of local island tourism, they may, in fact, pose a deeper threat to both the community and the overall travel experience.

At the heart of the debate is the notion that regulations governing behaviour and dress codes are needed to maintain cultural and traditional values in local communities. While respect for these values is essential, the isolation of tourists from locals through the imposition of these separate spaces raises critical questions. Are these beaches truly necessary for a successful tourism product, or do they undermine the authentic cultural exchange that travellers seek?

If we look at the Malé and Hulhumalé areas, which boast the largest number of economy hotels, we find no designated bikini beach zones. Yet, these areas continue to attract visitors in large numbers. So why are remote islands being pressured to enforce this separation? Some say the push for bikini beaches seems to come largely from private investors rather than from community demand, suggesting that these investors may see more value in maintaining control over tourists than in fostering community engagement.

More concerning is the apparent lack of compensation to islanders for the loss of public spaces. Unlike private resorts that pay hefty lease fees for exclusive rights to island land, the privatization of sections of local islands, through the creation of bikini beaches, often provides no tangible benefits to the community. By cordoning off parts of an island, we may be inadvertently enacting what could be described as a form of "public land grab"—limiting the locals’ access to their own beaches and communal spaces in favour of tourism businesses.

In destinations like Sri Lanka, Bali, and Phuket, beaches remain public spaces. There, locals and tourists alike share the shoreline, promoting an environment of coexistence and interaction. This mingling creates more authentic travel experiences, where tourists can engage with locals in everyday settings—whether it's purchasing fresh coconut from a vendor, getting a surfing lesson, or being invited into a family home for a traditional meal.

In contrast, the segregation of tourists on bikini beaches in the Maldives limits such interactions. By reducing tourists’ exposure to the local way of life, we deny them the very experiences that can make their travel stories memorable. Instead of fostering cultural exchange, these restricted zones insulate tourists within an artificial bubble, far removed from the vibrant community life that could be a defining feature of their visit.

Are bikini beaches truly about respecting local customs, or are they more about controlling the tourism dollar? When tourists remain confined to spaces controlled by private businesses, the economic benefits of tourism are often concentrated within those establishments. In contrast, public beaches that locals can also access offer a chance for island residents to engage in tourism directly, whether through small businesses, services, or personal interactions. This shift in control suggests that bikini beaches may be more about securing profits for a few than about upholding cultural values.

The Maldives is at a critical juncture. Community-based tourism offers enormous potential for creating more equitable, sustainable tourism models that benefit both locals and visitors. However, this potential is undermined by policies that reinforce separation rather than connection. If we are serious about ensuring that tourism dollars benefit communities, then we must rethink the concept of bikini beaches and how we allow local and tourist interactions to unfold.

Rather than maintaining artificial barriers, and create undue anxiety for tourists, why not trust tourists to embrace the culture and respect the customs of the islands they visit? By fostering mutual understanding and creating opportunities for genuine interaction, we can create a tourism model that preserves our cultural values while offering tourists the authentic experiences they seek. The Maldives, like other world-class destinations, can thrive by letting locals and visitors share its most valuable asset—its shores—without fences and restrictions.